Families - Beyond the Nuclear Ideal

This book discusses the theory that alternative relationship and family structures challenge the privileged status of the nuclear family as the preferable mode of family life for all. Exploding the Nuclear Family Ideal explores the possibilities offered by alternative relationship and family structures and examines the arguments to recommend or disqualify them as legitimate family units in our societies. The book addresses alternative modes of reproduction and parenthood and the consequences for children of being raised in families that do not conform to the nuclear family stereotype. The issue of parenting raises heightened sensitivity and resistance to alternative lifestyles. The volume includes a variety of disciplinary perspectives spanning philosophical, ethical, legal and sociological analysis with a special focus on the impact of scientifically developed modes of human reproduction.

Daniela Cutas is Research Fellow in Practical Philosophy at the Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, the Netherlands, as well as at the Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, Gothenburg University, Sweden.Sarah Chan Research Fellow in Bioethics and Law, and Deputy Director of the Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation, University of Manchester, UK.